Track drive mode management system and methods

ABSTRACT

A method for managing a drive mode of a tracked vehicle, comprising the step of reading an output of a sensor and in response to the output of the sensor performing a control action to manage the drive mode of the vehicle.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit under 35 USC 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/422,949 filed on Dec. 14, 2010 and hereby incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to tracked vehicles in general and in particular to improvements to tracked vehicles for reducing wear on the track. Specifically, the invention relates to methods for managing the drive mode of a tracked vehicle, systems for implementing those methods and individual components of such systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Tracked vehicles, such as heavy agricultural or construction equipment, that routinely operate in rough environments may suffer from rapid track wear. As a result of this track wear, the track must be replaced often which is expensive and significantly increases the cost of operation of the vehicle over time.

Tracks, especially elastomeric tracks are subjected in use to different wear patterns that depend largely on the intensity and the type of use of the vehicle. One specific point of failure of the elastomeric track is the drive lugs. The drive lugs are used to establish a positive drive connection between the track and the drive sprocket. Accordingly, when the track operates at high loading levels, a significant amount of stress is exerted on the drive lugs to impart movement to the track. Over time, this amount of stress can damage the drive lugs ultimately leading to drive lug separation from the track carcass.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

As embodied and broadly described herein the invention provides a method for controlling a drive mode of a vehicle having an engine and a track to propel the vehicle on the ground, the track capable of being driven by the engine in a plurality of drive modes including a friction drive mode and a positive drive mode. The method includes:

-   -   a) providing a sensor on the vehicle, the sensor generating an         output signal conveying information on a current drive mode of         the track;     -   b) providing a data processing apparatus including a machine         readable storage encoded with drive mode control software for         execution by a CPU;     -   c) processing the information output by the sensor with the         software to compute a desired track drive mode and generating a         drive mode control signal;     -   d) implementing the desired track drive mode in response to the         drive mode is control signal.

As embodied and broadly described herein the invention also encompasses a vehicle, having:

-   -   a) an engine;     -   b) an undercarriage including a track for propelling the         vehicle;     -   c) a drive line coupling the engine to the track, the driveline         capable of driving the track in a plurality of drive modes, the         plurality of drive modes including a friction drive mode and a         positive drive mode;     -   d) a sensor outputting a signal that conveys information         allowing to establish the current drive mode of the track.

As embodied and broadly described herein the invention further provides an endless track for a vehicle, having a body having an outer ground engaging side and an inner side opposite to the ground engaging side. The track also includes a sensor for sensing a magnitude of force applied by a drive wheel to the track to drive the track.

As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention yet provides a sprocket for driving a endless track of a vehicle, the sprocket including a sensor for sensing a magnitude of force applied by the sprocket to the track.

As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention also includes an undercarriage having an endless track, a sprocket for driving the endless track and a sensor for measuring a magnitude of force applied by the sprocket to the endless track when the sprocket drives the track.

As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention further provides a method for operating a vehicle having an engine and an undercarriage, the undercarriage including:

-   -   a) an endless track;     -   b) wheels supporting the endless track, the engine being in a         driving relationship with the track to propel the vehicle on the         ground;     -   c) a tensioning system for controlling a tension of the track,         the method comprising:         -   i) determining an operational parameter of the vehicle;         -   ii) establishing on the basis of the measured operational             parameter if the track tension needs adjusting;         -   iii) operating the tensioning system while the vehicle is in             motion to adjust the track tension on the basis of the             establishing.

As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention yet provides a vehicle having an engine and an undercarriage, the undercarriage including:

-   -   a) an endless track;     -   b) wheels supporting the endless track, the engine being in a         driving relationship with the track to propel the vehicle on the         ground;     -   c) a tensioning system for controlling a tension of the track;     -   d) a sensor for sensing an operational parameter of the vehicle;     -   e) a data processing apparatus including a CPU and a memory         encoded with software for execution by the CPU, the software         processing data indicative of the operational parameter to         compute a tensioning system control signal;     -   f) the tensioning system being responsive to the tensioning         system control signal to alter the track tension while the         vehicle is in motion.

As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention also provides a vehicle having an engine and an undercarriage, the undercarriage including:

-   -   a) a first endless track on a first side of the undercarriage;     -   b) a second endless track on a second side of the undercarriage         opposite to the first side;     -   c) the first and second endless track being capable of being         driven in a plurality of different modes which include a         positive drive mode and a friction drive mode;     -   d) a control system for regulating the drive mode of the first         track independently from the drive mode of the second track.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A detailed description of examples of implementation of the present invention is provided hereinbelow with reference to the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 a is a side elevational view of an agricultural vehicle using a elastomeric track;

FIG. 1 b is an alternative drive arrangement for an agricultural vehicle;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a sprocket used for driving a elastomeric track, showing the relationship between the drive lugs of the track and sprocket bars;

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of an alternative sprocket configuration with the cavities for receiving the drive lugs of the track in the center of the sprocket;

FIG. 4A is a fragmentary side view of a sprocket and a track illustrating a drive mode sensor according to a non-limiting example of implementation of the invention;

FIG. 4B is a fragmentary side view of a sprocket and a track illustrating a drive mode sensor according to a variant;

FIG. 5 is block diagram of a computing platform for generating control signals to regulate the mode of operation of the track;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a process for managing the track drive mode of a vehicle;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged side view of a track illustrating the location of a strain sensor in a drive lug;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross sectional view of a sprocket bar illustrating the location of a strain sensor;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a process for controlling the power split between two tracks;

In the drawings, embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood that the description and drawings are only for purposes of illustration and as an aid to understanding, and are not intended to be a definition of the limits of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of an agricultural vehicle which uses a elastomeric track. The vehicle 10 has an upper body including a cabin for the operator and housing for the engine, which can be an internal combustion engine. Alternatively, the engine can include an electric motor powered by a suitable battery. The vehicle 10 also includes a drivetrain coupled to the engine. The drive train includes the various components between the engine and the track driving sprockets, such as a gearbox, clutches and axles for imparting movement to the track.

The vehicle 10 has an undercarriage 12 including a set of wheels about which is tensioned a track 16. The set of wheels has a drive sprocket 30 and an idler wheel 32. In a variant, both wheels 30, 32 can be driven. The track 16 is mounted on the wheels 30, 32 such that as the wheels 30, 32 turn the track 16 is caused to move. The undercarriage 12 also includes a set of mid-rollers 40 which are mounted between the wheels 30, 32 in order to keep the run of the track 16 between the wheels 30, 32 in contact with the ground. The mid-rollers 40 are mounted on a suspension system 42 allowing the mid-rollers 40 to yield upwardly when the vehicle 10 rides over obstacles.

The undercarriage 12 further includes a tensioning system to tension the track 16. In a specific and non-limiting example of implementation the tensioning system operates hydraulically, however other possibilities exist without departing from the spirit of the invention. For instance, the tensioning system may be mechanical in nature and may use mechanical components, such as cables levers, pulleys or springs to vary the pressure on the track 16. The system can also be electrical and use electrical actuators to vary the track tension.

The tensioning system illustrated in the drawings operates hydraulically and includes a hydraulic ram 44 mounted between a fixed portion of the undercarriage and short arm 46 to which the wheel 32 is pivotally connected. As the piston 34 of the hydraulic ram 44 extends, this causes the short arm 46 to pivot clockwise and change the position of the wheel 32 with relation to the wheel 30. If the piston 34 is extended, the wheel 32 will thus move further away from the wheel 30, thus increasing the tension in the track 16. Conversely, if the piston 34 is retracted, the opposite effect takes place and the tension in the track 16 diminishes.

FIG. 1 b illustrates an alternative track arrangement. FIG. 1 b is a side view of an undercarriage that can be used to support and propel an agricultural or a construction vehicle and which is of a type that mounts to a drive axle; in practice a vehicle would normally require at least two of those undercarriages at the rear end, which is the drive end, and two front wheels to support the front end of the vehicle. Alternatively, the two front wheels can also be replaced by tracked undercarriages as well, in which case the vehicle will be supported on its four corners by tracks.

The undercarriage 10 b includes the necessary mechanical components to run a track 12 b. The track 12 b has an outer ground engaging surface 14 b and an opposite inner surface 16 b. The width of the track 12 b can vary according to the specific vehicle application.

The track 12 b is supported by a series of wheels that define a generally triangular track path. That path has a lower run 18 b which is a ground engaging run. When the vehicle is being driven it is supported on the ground engaging run 18 b.

The series of wheels that support the track 12 b include a drive sprocket 20 b which is mounted on top, two generally opposite idler wheels 22 b and a series of mid-rollers 24 b mounted between the idler wheels 22 b. The mid-rollers 24 b engage the inner surface of the ground engaging run to maintain the ground engaging run 18 b in contact with the ground during the operation of the vehicle and also to at least partially carry the vehicle weight. The mid-rollers 24 b are mounted on a suspension system (not shown) allowing the mid-rollers 24 b to yield upwardly when the vehicle rides over obstacles. Also, the undercarriage 10 b is provided with a suitable track tensioning assembly that uses hydraulic pressure to maintain the desired tension in the track 12 b. For convenience and clarity this track tensioning system has not been shown in FIG. 1 b, it being understood that it is generally similar to the track tensioning system discussed in connection with the undercarriage example illustrated in FIG. 1 a.

The drive sprocket 20 b is coupled to an axle of the vehicle. The axle turns at a speed selected by the operator of the vehicle.

FIG. 2 illustrates in greater detail the mechanical relationship between the track 16 and the sprocket 30, it being understood that the arrangement shown in FIG. 1 b operates is a similar manner. The sprocket 30 engages drive lugs 57 on the track 16. Specifically, the track 16 has a carcass 52 having an outer face 54 and an inner face 56. Drive lugs 57 are mounted to the inner face 56. The drive lugs 57 are made from elastomeric material and are located at equally spaced intervals from one another. The drive lugs 57 fit in respective sockets 58 formed on the periphery of the sprocket 30. The dimensions of the sockets 58 and their spacing matches those of the drive lugs 57, such that as the sprocket 30 turns the drive lugs 57 mesh with the respective sockets 58.

The sprocket 30 that is shown in FIG. 2, includes a central disk like structure 60 from which axially project a series of pins 62 defining between them the sockets 58. The sprocket 30 has two series of pins 62 one on each side of the disk like structure 60. This arrangement allows using on the track 16 two series of drive lugs 57, each series meshing with a respective set of pins 62.

An alternative arrangement is shown in FIG. 3, which illustrates a front view of a sprocket 64, where the sockets 58 are formed in the center of the sprocket 64. In this arrangement the track 16 (not shown) has a single row of drive lugs 57, which are centrally located and mesh with the sockets 58. In this form of construction, the sprocket 64 includes a pair of disks 66, 68 that are spaced apart and connected to one another via the pins 62 which define between them the sockets 58.

The sprocket 60, 64 can transmit motion to the track 16 by two different mechanisms. The first is the friction drive mode and the second is the positive drive mode. In the case of the sprocket 64, during the friction drive mode, the friction developed between the peripheral surfaces of the discs 66, 68 and the flat inner surface of the track, which engages those peripheral surfaces can be is sufficient to drive the track. The tension which is built in the track 16 by operation of the hydraulic tensioning system can produce a significant amount of friction which is sufficient to drive the track 16 in certain conditions During the friction drive mode, the drive lugs 57 mesh with the sockets 58 but there is little strain applied on drive lugs 57.

Beyond a certain degree of power loading, the friction drive mode transitions to the positive drive mode. The reaction force acting on the track 16 as the vehicle 10 moves can overcome the friction between the track 16 and the peripheral surfaces of the discs 66, 68. This produces a small degree of slip between the peripheral surfaces of the discs 66, 68 until the drive lugs firmly engage the pins 62. At that point no further slip is possible and the driving force is communicated to the track mostly via the drive lugs 57.

A drive mode sensor can be used to determine when the track 16 transitions from the friction drive mode to the positive drive mode. FIG. 4A is a simplified illustration of an example of implementation of the drive mode sensor that works by detecting slippage between the sprocket 60, 64 and the track 16. Slippage is indicative of an impending transition from the friction drive mode to the positive drive mode. In FIG. 4A, the peripheral surface of the sprocket 60, 64 driving the track is identified by 400. This peripheral surface 400 is in rolling contact with the portion of internal surface of the track 402 that is smooth surfaced, as the track moves. The sprocket 60, 64 is provided with a drive mode sensor having a series of sensing elements 404. Each sensing element 404 includes a roller that can turn about its pivot axis. Each roller is positioned such that its peripheral surface is generally flush with the peripheral surface 400. Each sensing element 404 is connected to a digital encoder or to any other signal generator that issues a signal when the sensing element 404 undergoes a certain angular displacement. The degree or displacement necessary to cause generation of a signal can vary; it can be as little a fraction of a degree or as much as a quarter of a turn.

When the track 16 is in the friction drive mode there is no relative movement between the inner surface 402 of the track and the surface 400. Accordingly, as the sprocket 60, 64 turns, the sensing elements 404 repeatedly come in contact with the inner surface 402 but they are not subjected to any rotation, hence no signal is produced. However, if a slip occurs, which as indicated previously may indicate the transition to the positive drive mode, that slip will cause one or more of the sensing elements 404 to turn and produce a detectable output signal.

Advantageously, the signal is communicated over a wireless link to a receiver mounted on the undercarriage or at any other convenient location. The drive mode sensor may be provided with a suitable power source, such as a battery mounted on the sprocket to supply electrical energy to the individual sensing elements and to the wireless transmitter. Optionally, a slip ring can be used to communicate the signal generated by the drive mode sensor, when a hard wired system is deemed more appropriate.

In specific implementation, the drive mode sensor is designed such that each sensing element 404 reports to the receiver individually. In this fashion, the receiver can monitor the angular position of each sensing element 404 independently. This feature allows comparing the various readings from the sensing elements 404 to confirm that indeed a slip has occurred. Since at any given moment a series of sensing elements 404 engage the inner surface 402 of the track, if a slip occurs, that slip will register on each one of the sensing elements 404 that is in contact with the track 16. If an angular displacement is reported by a series of the sensing elements 404, and that angular displacement generally has the same magnitude, then the occurrence of a slip can be more conclusively established. On the other hand, if only one of the sensing elements 404 reports an angular displacement, but no other sensing element 404 reports an angular displacement, then a slip is unlikely to have occurred.

In addition to the occurrence of slippage between the peripheral surface 400 of the sprocket and the inner surface 402 of the track 16, the drive mode sensor can also measure the degree of slip which is related to the degree of angular displacement of the individual sensing elements 404.

In a possible variant, the drive mode sensor is a non-contact sensor. One possibility of implementing a non-contact sensor is shown in FIG. 4B. The drive mode sensor includes a series of permanent magnets placed at equally spaced intervals along the track. Induction coils 502 are placed near the periphery 400 of the sprocket. A detection circuit, not shown measures the output of each induction coil 502. If there is any slip, the signal pattern produced by the respective induction coils 502 will change which can be sensed. As in the case of the previous embodiment, the output signal of the individual induction coils 502 can be communicated over a wireless link to a receiver.

Yet another possible variant of the drive mode sensor (not shown in the drawings) can also be considered, which uses an optical detector. This drive mode sensor variant uses marks on the track and on the sprocket 60, 64 that can be read optically, in order to determine of there is any slippage. Slippage is sensed when there is a phase shift between pulse trains output by the optical reader associated with the sprocket and the optical reader associated with the track. Specifically, the side edge of the track is provided with a series of marks which can be bars, dots or any other trace or impression which can be sensed when it passes by an optical reader. The reader can include an optical source, such as a laser beam and a receiver which senses the reflection of the beam over the surface of the track. Since the marks disturb the beam reflection, this disturbance can be used to detect the passage of individual marks. The same arrangement is provided on the sprocket, namely a series of marks on the surface of the sprocket which are read by an optical reader. When there is no slippage, each optical reader produces a pulse train and the pulse trains associated with the track and with the sprocket 60, 64 are in a generally static phase relationship. If slippage arises, the phase relationship will change.

Yet another possibility to determine the drive mode is to use a strain sensor in the individual drive lugs 57 or in any other suitable location of the track 16. Each drive lug 57 or only some of the drive lugs 57 can be provided with strain sensors to detect the force applied on the drive lugs 57 by the sprocket 60, 64. An example of a strain sensor is a load cell that can measure force applied to the drive lug 57. When the track is in the friction drive mode, little or no force will be applied on the drive lugs 57. In contrast, when the track 16 transitions to the positive drive mode, the force acting on the drive lugs 57 will substantially increase. The strain sensor can be any type of sensor suitable to provide a force reading when load is applied on one of the faces of the drive lug 57, the one that is engaged by a pin 62. Accordingly, as the pin 62 presses on the face of the drive lug 57, the force is sensed by the strain sensor and an output signal is generated. FIG. 7 illustrates a possible example of implementation of a drive lug 57 in which is mounted a strain sensor. To this end, the drive lug 57 can be designed with a suitable cavity 700 in which the strain sensor 702 can be located. The strain sensor 702 has a sensing part that is adjacent the face 704 of the drive lug 57 which is engaged by the pin 62. A suitable power source, such as a battery, a piezo-electric element or an induction antenna can power the strain sensor 702 and it is provided with a transmitter to wirelessly report the force to a receiver mounted on the undercarriage or at any other suitable location on the vehicle 10.

Advantageously, when multiple strain sensors are provided on the track 16, each strain sensor being mounted to a respective drive lug, each strain sensor is uniquely identified such that its force reading can be distinguished from force readings of other strain sensors. Digitally encoding the force reported by the strain sensor and appending to the force value a unique identifier can accomplish this. In this fashion, the receiver and the data processing unit that performs the analysis of the force values reported by the strain sensors can associate received force values to respective drive lugs.

In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the strain sensors, such as load cells, can be mounted to the sprocket, instead of being mounted to the drive lugs 57. In this fashion, the track 16 has no drive mode sensing capability. The strain sensors are mounted on the sprocket at locations that engage the drive lugs 57. In the examples of the sprockets described earlier, this would be the bars 62. The bars are provided with cavities 800 in which the strain sensors 802 are mounted such that when the bars 62 engage the drive lugs 57, force registers on the strain sensors.

An advantage of the drive mode sensor that senses strain to determine the drive mode over the drive mode sensor that detects slip is the ability to sense when the track transitions back from the positive drive mode to the friction drive mode or, more generally when the loading applied to the track is no longer sufficient to overcome the friction between the track and the sprocket.

A receiver (not shown) mounted on a suitable location on the vehicle 10 picks up the output of the drive mode sensor. The output is a signal reporting slip or force. The signal is processed by a data processing device that will determine the drive mode of the track and will then generate a control signal to perform a control function.

Yet another possible way of implementing a drive mode sensor is to use an indirect approach instead of a direct measuring technique. For example, a torque sensor can be provided in the power train that determines the amount of torque that is being applied on the sprocket 60, 64. Since the torque applied on the sprocket 60, 64 is directly related to the drive mode of the track 16, then by reading the torque it is possible to infer whether the track 16 is the friction drive mode or in the positive drive mode. Note that in this example, the drive mode determination is not being directly measured and it is based on a theoretical drive mode transition value at which the transition between the friction drive mode and the positive drive mode is known to occur.

A variant of the drive mode sensor which operates indirectly determines the drive mode by observing the operational condition of the engine of the vehicle 10 and derives the amount of power, hence torque that is being produced. In this method of implementation the drive mode sensor uses a computer implemented engine parameters map that correlate engine parameters to torque produced by the engine. Possible engine parameters include RPM, throttle opening percentage, intake manifold pressure, amount of fuel being injected, temperature and ignition timing among others. Accordingly, the system can infer the torque generated at any given moment by searching the map on the basis of the current engine parameters to identify the corresponding torque value. Once the torque produced by the engine is known, the torque value applied on the sprocket 60, 64 can be derived on the basis of the gear ratio that is being used to transmit the drive power from the engine to the sprocket 60, 64.

FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of a non-limiting example of implementation of a data processing device 600. The data processing device 600 is a computing platform having a CPU 602 that communicates with a machine-readable storage device 604 over a data bus 606. An input/output interface 608 connects to the data bus 606. Input signals that convey data to be processed by the data processing device 600 are received at the input/output interface 608. Similarly, output signals directed to components of the vehicle 10 which are controlled by the data processing device 600 also transit via the input/output interface 608.

The machine-readable storage medium 604 is encoded with software that is executed by the CPU 602. The software performs the processing of the inputs signals and generates output control signals on the basis of a control strategy.

The input signals that are applied to the input/output interface 608, include:

-   -   1. The output of the drive mode sensor. As discussed previously,         the drive mode sensor can report the occurrence and/or degree of         slip between the sprocket 60, 64 and the track 16.         Alternatively, the drive mode sensor can report the force acting         on the drive lugs 57 or acting on the sprocket components that         engage the drive lugs 57. The signal stream, in addition to         conveying slip and/or force can also convey the identifier of         the respective sensor that has generated the data. The drive         mode sensor can also report torque information. In one example         the torque information is provided by a torque sensor indicating         the torque acting on the sprocket 60, 64 and that is in turn         acting on the track 16. The degree of torque applied on the         sprocket 60, 64 determines to a large degree the drive mode of         the track 16. In this instance, the torque value can be used in         a feedback control loop that regulates the operation of the         engine, for in turn controlling the drive mode of the track 16.         Note that the torque sensor can output torque information which         is not directly measured but is derived by correlating the         engine parameters to the torque value, as discussed above.     -   2. Output from operator console. This signal is generated in         response actuation of a control by the operator. The control may         be a mechanical control such as lever or button or may be an         electronic control. The control conveys a command to the data         processing device 600 to control the vehicle in a predetermined         fashion, by using as an input the drive mode sensor. Examples of         possible control include:         -   a. Keep the vehicle at all times in the friction drive mode.             This is suitable for light duty operations where the engine             and/or drive train are managed such that the track remains             in the friction drive avoiding or limiting transitions to             positive drive mode.         -   b. Keep the vehicle as much as possible in the positive             drive mode and use the friction drive mode as an assist. In             this example, the vehicle is in the positive drive mode all             the time, which is accomplished by operating the hydraulic             track tensioning system at a relatively low pressure. A low             pressure reduces significantly the force pressing the track             against the smooth surfaces of the sprocket 60, 64 thus             reducing the friction between them. As such, when the             vehicle starts moving or operates at low power loadings, the             force applied on the track by the tensioning system is low             which practically negates the friction drive mode. At higher             power loadings, however, the force is applied to the drive             lugs 57 is significant, the friction drive mode is invoked             as an assist to the positive drive mode. This is             accomplished by increasing the hydraulic pressure in the             track tensioning mechanism to increase the track tension and             consequently the force urging the track against the smooth             surfaces of the sprocket 60, 64. In this fashion, the             vehicle operates by using both drive modes, positive drive             with friction drive assist. The friction drive assist can             pass some component of the power loading to the track that             would otherwise be passed through the drive lugs 57.             Accordingly the amount of stress the drive lugs 57             experience is reduced by at least some degree. The degree of             the friction drive assist can be tailored by varying the             hydraulic pressure in the track tensioning system; the             higher the pressure the higher the friction drive assist             will be. There are limits to the possible increase of the             hydraulic pressure but the track tensioning system is             usually designed to support a certain range of pressures             which allows dynamically varying the hydraulic pressure             within that range in order to dynamically vary the extent of             the friction drive assist according to the operational             conditions of the vehicle. A side benefit of using the             friction drive assist, that is invoked only when needed, is             the reduced wear on the components of the undercarriage,             such as bearings, mid-rollers of idler wheels. When the             track 16 is run most of the time in the positive drive mode,             the hydraulic pressure in the track tensioning system is             kept relatively low in order to negate the friction drive             mode or to reduce it; the loading that the track exerts on             those mechanical components is consequently reduced.             Accordingly, those components may not need to be replaced or             repaired as often as under an arrangement where the tension             in the track is maintained consistently at a higher level.         -   c. Control the transition between the friction drive mode             and the positive drive mode, such as by “smoothing” the             torque application on the sprocket 60, 64 to reduce the rate             of force increase acting on the drive lugs 57 when the track             16 transitions from the friction drive mode to the positive             drive mode.

The output signals that are released by the input/output interface 608 are as follows:

-   -   1. Internal combustion engine regulation. One or a set of         control signals to regulate the operation of the internal         combustion engine such as to control the torque that is being         supplied to the sprocket 60, 64 driving the track. The control         can be such as to regulate the amount of power produced by the         engine (such as for example regulating the throttle opening, the         RPM, the ignition timing, rate of fuel injection) to control the         torque produced by the engine.     -   2. Driveline regulation. “Driveline” is considered to be the         mechanism that transmits power from the engine to tracks of the         vehicle. Controls the operation of the driveline to reduce the         occurrence of torque spikes that may produce stress in the drive         lugs 57. The control may involve modulating a clutch such as to         limit the amount of torque being applied to the sprocket 60, 64.     -   3. Track tensioner. This output signal regulates the amount of         hydraulic pressure applied by the hydraulic tensioner to the         track 16. The pressure can controlled in any suitable way, such         as by controlling the pressure of the hydraulic pump.

The information that is received by the various inputs of the data processing module 600, in particular the input from the operator console and the drive mode sensor is processed by software stored in the machine readable storage 604 in order to generate control signals that will manage the drive mode of the track 16. The logic built in the software determines the control strategy that will be implemented. Several different control strategies can be considered examples of which will be discussed below:

Maintaining the Track in the Friction Drive Mode

This particular control strategy can be implemented as a result of a command input by the operator which is conveyed by the control signal sent to the input/output interface 608 of the data processing module 600 or it may be triggered in any other way. The purpose of the control strategy is to regulate the operation of the track 16 such as to avoid that the track 16 transitions to the positive drive mode, or at least delay this transition. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a specific example of implementation of this control strategy. The process starts at step 700. At step 702, the data processing module 600 will determine the current drive mode of the track. This can be done by reading the output of the drive mode sensor. The drive mode sensor, whether it senses slip, force acting on the drive lugs 57 or provides torque information, generates a real time indication of the track drive mode.

Note that the output of the drive mode sensor may require preprocessing by the data processing module 600 before the system concludes that the track is in any particular drive mode or a transition between drive modes is occurring. For example, when several sensors are placed on the track or on the sprocket 60, 64, the pre-processing operation would correlate the readings of the different sensors for more accuracy. A slip sensor of the type illustrated at FIGS. 4 a and 4 b will report a slip event as a set of concurrent multiple outputs from a number of sensing elements 404, 502, not merely one. Accordingly, if multiple angular displacement readings are concurrently observed, then the logic concludes that a slip has occurred. In contrast, if only one of the sensing elements 404, 502 reports an angular displacement and the adjacent sensing elements 404, 502 do not report angular displacement then the logic concludes that a signal artifact is present and disregards the output. When a strain sensor is used, either on the track 16 or in the sprocket 60, 64, the logic considers the number of the drive lugs 57 on which force above a certain threshold is being applied before concluding that the track is in the traction drive mode. If the signal shows that force above the threshold that signals the transition to the positive drive mode is being applied on a series of drive lugs, especially when the drive lugs in the series are adjacent, then the logic concludes that the track 16 is in the positive drive mode. A series of adjacent drive lugs reporting force is consistent with the normal force distribution profile on the track 16 where the drive force applied by the sprocket 60, 64 at any given time is applied only at the drive lugs 57 that mesh with the sprocket 60, 64. On the other hand, if the drive mode sensor reports force above the set threshold on only one drive lug 57, the logic assumes a signal artifact. The force at which the transition is considered to occur is a value than can be set as a parameter in the software being executed by the data processing unit 600. That parameter may be programmable depending on the specific vehicle and the specific track being used. In order to determine the track drive mode, the logic compares the force that is being reported against the transition level. If the transition level is higher than the force currently applied then the track is likely in the friction drive mode. Otherwise the track is in the positive drive mode.

Different types of information may be derived from the output produced by the drive mode sensor, depending on the nature of the sensor that is being used. If the drive mode sensor senses slip, the indication is generally unidirectional in the sense that the indication of slip shows a transition between the friction drive mode to the positive drive mode, but not the reverse. If the drive mode of the track 16 changes again and there is a transition back to the friction drive mode the slip sensor is not likely to detect it since the track 16 will not slip back on the sprocket 60, 64. In contrast, a drive mode sensor that senses force applied at the interface drive lug/sprocket will show the transition from the friction drive mode to the positive drive mode and also the transition between from the positive drive mode back to the friction drive mode.

Step 704 is executed after the logic has established the drive mode of the track. Step 704 is a conditional step and determines if a positive action is required in order to maintain the track in the friction drive mode. The conditional step will be answered in the negative if the drive mode sensor reports that the track is in the friction drive mode. In contrast, when the drive mode sensor reports that the track drive mode is in the positive drive mode the step 704 will be answered in the affirmative. Note that as long as the conditional step 704 is answered in the negative the processing returns back to step 702 where the drive mode of the track is observed again. The logic remains in this continuous loop as long as the track drive mode remains in the friction drive mode.

If eventually, the conditional step 704 is answered in the affirmative, then the processing moves to step 706 where a control action is performed. In this specific example of implementation, the purpose of the control action is to prevent the track 16 from transitioning to in any significant way to the positive drive mode. For instance, if a transition to the positive drive mode has momentarily occurred, the action will be such that the drive mode will revert to the friction drive mode. Several control actions can be implemented, either individually or in combination. Examples of those actions are described below:

-   -   i. Manage the torque that is applied on the sprocket 60, 64         driving the track 16. The management may include limiting the         value of the torque to a level that such as to prevent the         transition to the positive drive mode. In other words, at all         times the torque value applied by the drive train to the         sprocket 60, 64 is not allowed to exceed a certain limit.         Objectively, in this operational condition the vehicle 10 may no         longer be suitable for tasks that require a high power loading         on the track 16, such as travel at high speeds, steep climbs or         carrying heavy loads where the torque that is required would         cause the track 16 to transition into the positive drive mode.         However, there may be some light duty applications where the         maximal torque value would suffice and where otherwise, an         overly aggressive power application by the operator may in fact         cause the track to transition unnecessarily to the positive         drive mode from time to time.     -    In this example, the control action performed at step 700         supersedes operator throttle inputs. If the operator provides an         aggressive throttle input, which commands for the engine to         significantly increase the torque on the sprocket 60, 64, the         control action 700 will condition the input such that the actual         demands on the engine will be consistent with the control         strategy that the system is enforcing.     -    The actual control of the torque is effected by regulating the         operational parameters of the engine of the vehicle. In the case         of a diesel engine, the operational parameters include a         regulation of the amount of diesel fuel injected; the higher the         amount of fuel the larger the power output. Accordingly, the         control action step 706 regulates the engine output in order to         keep the torque produced below a certain level. The control         action on the engine can be done with or without real time         feedback information. Real time feedback information can be         obtained from two different sources (a) the drive mode sensor         and/or (b) a dedicated torque sensor.         -   a. Feedback information from the drive mode sensor—When the             drive mode sensor is strain based, the force acting on the             drive lugs 57 provide a real time indication on the drive             mode of the track. The logic then acts on the internal             combustion engine to regulate the torque such that the force             acting on the drive lugs 57 remains less than the value that             indicates a transition to the positive drive mode, or to             keep the rate of force increase on the drive lugs 57 below             the selected level.         -   b. Feedback information from a dedicated torque sensor—a             torque sensor in the drive line of the vehicle can be used             to provide operational control owing to the relationship             between the torque applied on the sprocket 60, 64 and the             drive mode of the track 16. Thus, the logic in the data             processing module 600 relies on real time torque feedback             information to manage the torque that is being applied to             the track 16. In order to establish the torque value at             which the drive mode transition takes place the logic of the             software that is being executed by the data processing             module 600 may be programmed to “learn” the critical torque             value at which the transition will occur by first observing             the output of the drive mode sensor and correlating that             output with the output of the torque sensor. When the logic             observes a transition it records the torque value at which             the transition is observed and that torque value is then             used as a limit to be enforced. This approach would work             with a drive mode sensor that works on the basis of slip;             the occurrence of the slip indicating a drive mode             transition. The torque management can thus be performed on             the basis of the torque sensor output that is being supplied             to the data processing device 600. The logic will             continuously read the torque sensor output and regulate the             engine parameters, as discussed above in order to keep the             torque being applied to the sprocket 60, 64 below the             selected value or to limit.     -    In another possible implementation, only a torque sensor is         being used in the drive line of the vehicle, which provides real         time torque feedback information and also acts as a drive mode         sensor. Since the drive mode transition is related to the torque         that is being applied on the sprocket 60, 64 it is possible to         deduce that a drive mode transition is occurring when the torque         output reading is near or at the nominal torque value at which         the transition is expected or known to occur. On that basis the         torque management can be made.     -    Yet, in another possible embodiment, torque management can be         made without any drive mode sensor and without a dedicated         torque sensor that directly measures torque for feedback         information. In this case, the logic on the data processing         device 600 is provided with a data map, as discussed earlier         that infers the torque output to engine parameters, such as         amount of fuel injected, Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) and         others. In order to keep the torque at a certain level, the         logic selects the engine parameters according to this map such         that the operation will not exceed the desired torque value,         which is the value known to correspond to a mode transition.         This mode of operation is based on the assumption that the         engine operation closely follows its nominal values on the basis         of which the map has been derived.     -   ii. Regulating the tensioning system 44 in order to         increase/decrease the tension in the track. The drive mode of         the track is determined by a number of factors, one of them         being the degree of tension in the track. Generally, the higher         the tension, the longer the track will remain in the friction         drive mode. In the specific example of implementation, the         tensioning system has a hydraulic ram with a piston 34 that can         be extended or retracted to displace the wheel 32 and thus         increase or decrease the tension in the track 16. Accordingly         the hydraulic pressure acting on the piston 34 is functionally         related to the tension in the track 16; the higher the hydraulic         pressure, the higher the tension in the track 16 will be.         Several specific examples of track tensioning strategy can be         considered, as discussed below in order to maintain the track in         the friction drive mode. Note that this strategy can be         implemented while the vehicle is in motion. It is not necessary         to stop the vehicle in order to adjust the track tension.         -   1. When the friction drive mode is selected, say at the             operator console, increase the track tension by a             predetermined degree For example, tracked vehicles can             operate at hydraulic pressures in the range of 1000 psi to             25,000 psi. A typical vehicle, without a dynamic track             tension adjusting system normally operates at a hydraulic             pressure set in the area of 3,000 psi, while an industrial             vehicle operates in an area of 6,000 psi. when a dynamic             track tension is used, a possibility is to set the initial             hydraulic pressure in the track tensioning system at around             6,000 to 8,000 psi and increase the pressure up to 25,000             psi in order to maintain the friction drive as long as             possible. The hydraulic pressure is increased in response to             a control signal issued by the data processing device 600.             The hydraulic pressure may be dynamically varied on the             basis of the output of the drive mode sensor. Alternatively,             a control strategy may be used which increases the hydraulic             pressure with the engine power that is being produced. In             this form of implementation the data processing device 600             is not directly determining the transition between the             friction drive mode and the positive drive mode. Rather the             system increases the track tension as engine power increases             such as to keep the track in the friction drive mode as much             as possible. The relationship between engine power and the             hydraulic pressure can vary. It can be linear, such that as             the engine power increases, the track tension also increases             in a linear fashion.         -   2. When the friction drive mode is selected increase the             track tension momentarily when the track is near the             transition point to the positive drive mode, such as to             “shift” this transition point by increasing the friction             between the track 16 and the sprocket 60, 64. In this             example, the increase in the track tension is done by             increasing the hydraulic pressure in the tensioning system             when the torque acting on the sprocket 60, 64 is at a             predetermined point from the torque transition value. When             the torque acting on the sprocket 60, 64 is less than the             predetermined point, the hydraulic pressure in the             tensioning system is reduced. Accordingly, the hydraulic             pressure in the tensioning system varies as the power             loading on the track 16 increases.     -   iii. Regulating the tensioning system and managing the torque         acting on the sprocket 60, 64 at the same time. Both of these         actions can be combined to manage the operation of the track 16         such that it remains in the friction drive mode.

Managing the Transition Between the Friction Drive Mode and the Positive Drive Mode

This particular control strategy does not try to keep the track 16 in the friction drive mode only; instead it manages the transition from the friction drive mode to the positive drive mode such that loading on the drive lugs 57 that occurs during the transition is controlled to some degree to avoid unnecessary “shocks” that may damage the drive lugs 57 over the long run. One possibility is to perform torque management, to control the rate of torque increase on the sprocket 60, 64 such that if the track transitions to the positive drive mode, the transition is made more gently thus limiting the strain “shock” acting on the drive lugs 57. In this example, the control action limits the torque increase over time to a certain rate which is considered to be acceptable or desirable. This maximal rate is a parameter that is programmable according to the specific vehicle and track used on the vehicle. The torque rate increase management is carried out according to the possibilities discussed earlier.

Maintaining the Track in the Positive Drive Mode.

This particular control strategy aims to maintain the track as much as possible in the positive drive mode, and uses the friction drive mode when the power loading on the track is significant in order to provide an assist function. This control strategy is implemented by regulating the track tension; the higher the tension the more significant the friction between the track and the sprocket is. In contrast, the lower the tension of the track the lower the friction.

During normal vehicle operation, when the power loading on the track does not exceed a certain threshold, the track tension is maintained sufficiently low such that the track operates as a practical matter in the positive drive mode. The track tension being maintained low has an advantage; the force acting on the various components of the undercarriage that support the track is reduced and as a consequence there is less wear on the system.

When an operational condition is reached at which the friction assist is to be invoked, data processing device 600 issues a control signal to direct the track tensioning system to increase pressure. In a specific example of implementation, the amount or degree of friction drive assist can be related to the power loading on the track. At a certain power loading threshold, the friction drive assist is invoked by initiating an increase in the tensioning system hydraulic pressure. If the power loading further increases, the friction drive assist is also increased by augmenting the hydraulic pressure further. This increase may continue up to the maximal hydraulic pressure the tensioning system can provide. The relationship between the power loading and the track tension can be linear or non-linear and that relationship may hold for power loading increases or power loading decreases as well. In other words, when the power loading on the track diminishes so does the track tension.

In a specific and non-limiting example of implementation, the hydraulic pressure can be varied in the range from about 1000 psi to about 25,000 psi, more preferably in the range from about 3000 psi to about 25,000 psi and most preferably in the range from about 6,000 psi to about 25,000 psi.

Yet another possible form of implementation of the friction drive assist function is to provide a sprocket arrangement that has a contact interface with the track with controllable friction characteristics. For instance the surfaces 66, 68 of the sprocket can be arranged such as to be in rolling contact with the inside of the track. This is achieved by constructing the surfaces as two concentric rings, where the outer ring can freely pivot over the inner ring. The track rests on the outer ring. Since the outer ring can freely pivot on the inner ring, the track is, for all practical purposes in rolling contact with that ring. This means the sprocket can only drive the track via the positive drive mode since the rolling contact precludes friction between the concentric rings arrangement and the inside surface of the track. By providing a suitable clutch system between the concentric rings, it is possible to control via the control signals discussed earlier the ability of the outer ring to freely turn on the inner ring. In this fashion, by engaging the clutches the outer ring is locked against rotation to the inner ring, thus precluding the rolling contact with the track. Accordingly, when the clutches are engaged, the outer surfaces 66, 68 provide a friction drive mode assist function.

The clutches are mounted to the sprocket and are actuated according to the desired friction characteristics. In a specific example the clutches have two friction surfaces mounted on respective rings; when the surfaces are disengaged the rings are free to rotate but when they are engaged the surfaces are no longer free to rotate and are locked to one another thus enabling the friction drive mode. The clutches can be actuated electrically and powered via a slip ring or any other suitable device. The reader will appreciate that instead of using clutches, other devices can be employed that can selectively lock the two rings to each other such as to preclude rotation.

The power loading on the track can be determined directly such as by reading the output of a strain sensor (in the track or in the sprocket) or by reading the output of a torque sensor. Also, the power loading can be determined indirectly on the basis of the specific set of operational conditions of the engine or even by reading the vehicle speed, vehicle weight and inclination (rate of grade that the vehicle is climbing) to compute the power loading that is being applied to the track.

The data processing device 600 which is used to manage the operation of the track 16 can also be used to collect data relating to the usage of the track 16. Referring back to FIG. 5, the data processing device 600 is further provided with a data log 608, which is a machine readable storage in which data relating to the usage of the track can be stored. Additionally, software can be provided in the machine readable storage 604 to process the information in the data log 608 to extract useful statistics or forecasts.

The data log can store the following information that is generated in the course of the operation of the data processing device 600;

-   -   a. Number of hours the track 16 has operated in the friction         drive mode;     -   b. Number of hours the track 16 has operated in the (full)         positive drive mode;     -   c. Number of transitions between the friction drive mode and the         positive drive mode;     -   d. Profile of the strain applied on the drive lugs 57, such as         the average strain while the track 16 has operated in the         positive drive mode.

The information stored in the data log 608 can be used as such to provide useful knowledge about the track usage history. For example, this information can be used by the track manufacturer to decide whether a warranty would apply in any particular case. The information can be made available to a user by channeling it through the input/output interface 608 for display on the operator console or to be loaded on a service device reader that connects temporarily to the input/output interface 608.

The data in the data log 608 can be processed by software to provide indications to the operator that can help with extending the life of the track 16 or more generally better manage the track operation. In one possible example, the software is designed to count the different events that the track 16 has encountered and to compare them to predetermined values in order to compute:

-   -   a. If the track 16 is due for an inspection. This can be         computed on the basis of any suitable formula taking into         account the track usage statistics. For instance, the         manufacturer may have determined that a track inspection is         needed after X number of total hours of operation when at least         50 percent of that time has been performed in the positive drive         mode.     -   b. Approximate life expectancy of the track 16, computed on the         basis of the track usage pattern. For instance a track may be         known to last at least Y hours of total usage which is to be         discounted by 20% when the track has spent more than 50% of its         use in the positive drive mode.     -   c. Relative “health” of the drive lugs 57, especially when a         strain sensor is used to directly measure the force applied on         the drive lugs 57 by the sprocket 60, 64. For instance if a         drive lug 57 reports less strain than adjacent drive lugs 57,         this may be an indication that the drive lug 57 is failing (the         drive lug yields as a result of internal failure). In turn this         information may be used as an indicator to replace the drive lug         57, if the track 16 is designed to use or accept replaceable         drive lugs 57.

The information so computed can be displayed to the operator at his console either when that information is requested by the operator or automatically when certain events occur that may indicate the need for action, such as an indication of the need of an immediate inspection of when a drive lug may be failing.

The control actions discussed earlier may be performed concurrently on the both tracks of the vehicle or in a selective manner, such that the control action on one of the tracks is different from the control action acting on the other track.

The selective control action can be implemented by providing the vehicle with two independent control channels, where each control channel is associated with a respective track. Each control channel includes a dedicated data processing device 600 and associated sensors such as to handle the control function for each track independently. In this fashion, the vehicle has dual drive mode sensors one for each track, supplying information on the drive mode. The output of each drive mode sensor is processed independently and independent control signals are generated. For example, when the control strategy varies the track tension, the tension in each track is regulated independently. At any given moment, the tension in one track can be different from the tension in the other track. This approach allows a more precise control. For instance, if the control strategy is to maintain each track in the friction drive mode as much as possible, the tension in each track will be adjusted as per that particular track behavior.

Objectively, this approach would require two separate track tension mechanisms, where each mechanism can operate at a different hydraulic pressure. In addition, duplicate sensors would also be required. However, the overall effect is to provide the vehicle with a more precise track control system.

Note that some control strategies may not be fully independently implemented. For instance, a control strategy that regulates the power output of the engine would be the same for both tracks since a single engine drives both tracks. Independent control is possible at the drive line level, where the power application to each track can be individually adjusted. The driveline allows independent regulation of the power flow to each track, hence independent control strategies.

Note that the various sensors provided primarily to control the track drive mode can also be used for additional control functions. Referring in particular to the implementation that measures the strain at the interface drive lugs 57/bars 62, those outputs can be used to control the traction control system of the vehicle. This is illustrated in the flowchart of FIG. 9. The process starts at step 900. At step 902 the data processing device 600 reads the strain acting on the drive lugs 57 of each track. If the strain acting on the drive lugs 57 of each track is the same, this means that both tracks are not slipping on the ground. No control action is therefore necessary. However, if the strain is significantly different, this implies that one track is slipping. In this case the control action at step 904 is performed. The purpose of this control action is to adjust the power split such that the track that is slipping receives a less power than the one not slipping. This regulation is at the drive line level. The logic is run continuously such that at any given time the power split between the tracks can be altered to account for traction differences.

Although various embodiments have been illustrated, this was for the purpose of describing, but not limiting, the invention. Various modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art and are within the scope of this invention, which is defined more particularly by the attached claims. 

1. A method for controlling a drive mode of a vehicle having an engine and a track to propel the vehicle on the ground, the track capable of being driven by the engine in a plurality of drive modes including a friction drive mode and a positive drive mode, the method comprising: a) providing a sensor on the vehicle, the sensor generating an output signal conveying information on a current drive mode of the track; b) providing a data processing apparatus including a machine readable storage encoded with drive mode control software for execution by a CPU; c) processing the information output by the sensor with the software to compute a desired track drive mode and generating a drive mode control signal; d) implementing the desired track drive mode in response to the drive mode control signal. 2-37. (canceled) 